Best Overall
Klein Tools ET310 Digital Circuit Breaker Finder
Best Bang for the Buck
Southwire 41210S Circuit Breaker With GFCI Test
Best Manual
Extech CB10 AC Circuit Breaker Finder
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While a circuit - breakers finder is n’t one of the most mutual tools in a DIYer ’s armory , it can be of the essence for home upgrades such as installing a young visible light transposition , updating an wall socket , orchanging a loose fixity . A circuit - surf view finder helps to accurately make up one’s mind the circuit breaker that ’s connected to each light or outlet so you may safely turn off the circuit breaker to egest the risk of electric jolt while add a dimmer shift or install a new roof fan .
These ready to hand machine admit a transmitter that plug into a exponent issue or a sluttish receptacle and a receiver that scan the circuit - circuit breaker box . The transmitter send a note through the electrical circuit , allowing the telephone receiver to identify the corresponding breaker . Some circle - circuit breaker finders also identify wiring problems in priming - fault circuit interrupter ( GFCI ) outlets often discover in kitchens , privy , and outdoor sphere .
I field of operations - tested 10 of the top lap - breaker finders on the market to determine how efficient they are at turn up circuit breaker . My top good word is theET310 Digital Circuit Breaker Finder from Klein Toolsthanks to its brilliant accuracy , multiuse features , and affordable Mary Leontyne Price point . translate on to discover more of the best model for DIYers and professionals .
Product Comparison
My Top Picks
The list below considers important functions and feature to pass judgment when decide the best circuit - circuit breaker spotter on the market . Any of these top options will help match the electrical receptacles in a home to their several electrical circuit breaker .
My rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.7/5
With its durable construction , affordable Mary Leontyne Price , ability to match circuits accurately , and useful spear carrier , the Klein Tools circuit - breaker finder is the best all - around model that I tested .
Similar to other electrical circuit - ledgeman viewfinder , the ET310 uses an LED light and a high up - pitch whole step to match a circle breaker to the plug holding its vector . In my trial of seven unlike circuits , I was able-bodied to name each breaker accurately with comparative simpleness . I liked how the receiver begins beeping intermittently as it approaches the matching circuit before crescendo into a unmarried long tincture when the liquidator comes into impinging with it . This “ you’re - acquiring - hotter ” design eliminated any ambiguity over which ledgeman it identified as the equal .
In addition to being one of the most accurate lap - breaker finder I try , it ’s also thoughtfully designed . The molded bobby pin and weight head word on the receiver make running up and down the electrical panel easy than it is for those with a straight organic structure .
The ET310 ’s additional functions also pack in a lot of note value for the price . The transmitter double as a GFCI examiner , and it has three LED lights that indicate if the electric circuit ’s wiring is wrong . There ’s also a three - prong outlet on the back of the telephone receiver for attaching adapters when testing bare wires and wakeful sockets ( though shoppers will need to buy those adapter individually ) . I also like that I could secure the transmitter into the outlet for memory .
The ET310 ’s accuracy , numerous function , and low-pitched damage make it a great all - around circuit - breaker finder for any homeowner looking to match ledgeman to the outlets in their house .
Get the Klein Tools circuit - breaker spotter atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
My Ratings : Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Accuracy4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vil
Given Southwire ’s racing circuit - surf finder ’s affordability , I wondered how it would handle my accuracy psychometric test . After a dumb startle , the Southwire in the end impressed me .
I love how this circuit breaker beeped unendingly once turned on and more rapidly as the telephone receiver approached the correct lap breaker . While this feature article is n’t unique , it is typically only found on pricier spotter . My only gripe is that the beeping was a little ambivalent at times , clear it gainsay to turn up the pair circuit . I successfully located the ripe circuit with each test — it just took a lilliputian more time .
Despite its low cost , the Southwire includes a surprising number of supernumerary . The transmitter functions as a GFCI examiner and has LED lights that indicate if there is a job with the socket ’s wiring . The viewfinder even comes with an arranger for testing the two - prong outlets found in older rest home .
Photo: Tony Carrick Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob V
I also liked the Southwire ’s frame . Both pieces come through my drop curtain psychometric test without a scratch , and both receiver and transmitter have a rubberise coating that feels well-to-do to fascinate .
Get the Southwire circuit - circuit breaker view finder atAmazonorWalmart .
My military rating : Ease of Use3.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: amazon
The Extech CB10 ’s power to get the user correct the pass catcher ’s sensitivity gear up it aside from the automatic models that make up most of the circuit - circuit breaker finders priced for DIYers .
The Extech CB10 looks and function like most circuit - breakers viewfinder , save for the sensitivity dial on the front of the unit . I loved this feature — it allowed me to make adjustments on the fly ball while affect the receiver across the electrical panel .
That said , the Extech CB10 does have a erudition curvature . During my initial test , I had the sensitiveness set too high , make the receiver to identify multiple circuit as I ran it across the electric panel . However , after a few minutes of playing with the sensitiveness adjuster , I quickly narrowed those results down to the right circuit .
Photo: amazon
While the adjuster adds a footstep to the process , I found that the dial helps when there is equivocalness between two neighboring circuits . When the pass catcher identified more than one circuit breaker , I simply dialed back the sensibility to eliminate the fraud . This is something users ca n’t do with a circle - breaker finder that automobile adjust the sensitivity for them .
I also liked the Extech ’s blueprint . Most racing circuit - breaker finder must be put perpendicularly to the board during testing . The Extech receiver , however , lead down the instrument panel ’s side , which made it prosperous for me to see which circuit caused the receiver to ping . The Extech also has some useful extra , admit a GFCI tester and LED indicators for faulty wiring .
Get the Extech tour - ledgeman finder atAmazonorGrainger .
Photo: amazon
Best High-Capacity
Zircon Breaker ID Pro 300 Circuit Breaker Finder
My Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value3.7/5
With its power to test circuits up to 300 volts , the Zircon Breaker ID Pro 300 is a great option for professionals who do n’t want to pass hundreds ( or even thou ) on a gamey - conclusion circuit - ledgeman finder .
The Breaker ID Pro 300 excelled in my truth trial . It identified each test circuit on a unmarried pass with nary a chirp of uncertainty on next circuits . That say , the receiver was a little finicky . If I did n’t have the angled ending of the receiver gush with the matching circuit , the pass receiver would n’t identify it .
Photo: amazon
In addition to the receiver and transmitter , the Breaker ID Pro 300 also comes with transcriber for standard outlets , scant fixtures , bare wires , and blades for 220 - V wall plug . All worked well except for the 220 - V arranger . I attempt to apply the blade attachment to test a dryer outlet but discovered that the prongs were far too small . This was disappointing , given that the price of the Breaker ID Pro 300 is based on its power to test higher - potential difference outlets .
The Breaker ID Pro 300 comes in an telling foam - line metal carrying case that hold the receiver , vector , and various adapter . While I like the case ’s durability , I was less impressed with the recipient ’s grammatical construction , which had a slight feel compared to other more affordable models I test . Although the Breaker ID Pro 300 hold up the fall test , hitting the difficult concrete base did jar the battery cover loose .
Get the Zircon tour - circuit breaker view finder atAmazon , The Home Depot , orGrainger .
Photo: amazon
Best Ease of Use
VersativTech Circuit Breaker Finder
My rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
VersativTech ’s user - friendly designing and ready to hand extra features make it one of the most substance abuser - friendly circuit - breaker finders I tested . While the circuit - breaker spotter accurately identified each of the seven test outlet , its well-to-do - to - read display set it asunder .
While other finder use a individual LED light or a glowing pointer to describe circuit , VersativTech incorporates emojis . A frowning typeface denotes a minus recitation , while a smiley face indicates a match . This new innovation make it easy — even for newbies — to identify lap breakers .
Photo: amazon
I also liked the attentive supernumerary VersativTech build into the pass catcher . There ’s a low - battery indicator and a built - in torch function , which is idealistic if the tour - circuit breaker box is in a dark position . The transmitter come outfit with a GFCI quizzer and a faulty - wire indicator . There ’s even a handy carrying bag for storing the pass receiver and transmitter , plus recording label for the electric box .
The VersativTech is also one of the more ergonomic models I tested . Its curved physique made it well-situated to scan the electrical panel while viewing the LED indicator . With its prophylactic bobby pin , the VersativTech also feels problematical than most circuit - breaker finders . While I only drop - tested it from waist stature , I ’m sure-footed it could go falls from higher elevations .
Get the VersativTech circuit - ledgeman discoverer atAmazon .
Best Automatic
Hi-Tech HTP-6 Circuit Digital Circuit Breaker Finder
My paygrade : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Accuracy5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
With its affordable price , accurate reading , and easy - to - use blueprint , the Hi - Tech HTP-6 is a great basic circuit - breaker spotter . Though not perfect , the HTP-6 performed accurately during my tests , and I care its simple design . When the receiving system identified the matching breaker , it illuminated a green pointer while let loose a garish tone . However , using the right speed to do my examination was critical .
Since the HTP-6 does n’t beep intermittently when approaching the right circuit breaker , I had to go more slowly than with circuit - breaker finders that have this feature of speech . While this hold up the process a chip , it was n’t a big issue , especially since the Hi - Tech circuit - breakers finder is one of the more low-priced manikin on the mart .
The circuit - breaker finder ’s transmitter has two prongs , making it an ideal option for those who live in aged homes with two - prong outlets . While the HTP-6 is among the most affordable circuit - breaker finders useable , it lacks the extras of many other electric circuit - breaker finders . There is no GFCI tester , and the vector does not find faulty wiring in the outlets .
Like other circle - breakers finder I test , the HTP-6 has a power button that ’s annoyingly sluttish to press . This design shit it virtually impossible to put in a scoop or creature knock without inadvertently plough it on . Luckily , it turn itself off after a few minutes of inaction , which saves the batteries .
Get the Hi - Tech electrical circuit - circuit breaker view finder atAmazon , Walmart , orHarbor Freight .
ALSO TESTED
While theKlein Tools ET300is one of the more low-priced circuit - breaker finders on the grocery , it comes up scant compared to other higher - price modelling in terms of performance . The recipient had no problem connect with the sender when testing vent reasonably closemouthed to the pass catcher . However , once I ventured to parts of the base more than 30 feet away from the breaker box , the ET300 struggled mighty . give this inconsistency , the electric circuit - breaker finder is probably only a honest choice for outlets or fixtures relatively airless to the electrical panel .
TheSperry Instrument ’s circuit - breaker finderis a departure from most model . Instead of execute the entire recipient over the circuits , the user guide a investigation over the electrical panel . As it nears the matching surf , an light-emitting diode m resurrect to signify the connexion . alas , the sensitivity of the receiver made identifying circuits very difficult . In each test , the beat maxed out on at least three or four breakers , making it unsufferable to identify the right one . The receiver also emit a tone that becomes increasingly higher as it finds the matching circuit , but it repeatedly identified the amiss circuit breaker . This result in very inaccurate reading that make it difficult to recommend the Sperry .
Jump to My Top Picks
How I Tested the Best Circuit-Breaker Finders
I put my collection of circle - breaker finders through their paces in a series of tests . First , I tested each circuit - ledgeman finder for accuracy by attempting to locate seven unlike circuit breakers from various electric receptacle . To sham a substantial - public position , I covered my electrical panel label . I also select outlet that varied in distance from the electrical panel to determine the range for each view finder .
While quiz each model , I considered how accurately the electrical circuit - ledgeman finder matched the outlet to its check circuit breaker and how easy the discoverer was to use . Then I test any additional features the finders offered , include GFCI outlet testers and adapters for bare wires or light sockets .
For my final mental testing , I value the strength of each circuit - breaker spotter by leave out it onto a concrete floor five times from shank meridian and checking it for damage .
What to Consider When Buying a Circuit-Breaker Finder
Like most project around a home base , lick with circuits requires the correct tools . A circuit - breaker finder ’s power to work with outlets or faint fixture and its GFCI testing potentiality are important factors to conceive when frequent for one of these tool . Ahead , learn more about these and other crucial factors when shop for a circuit - breaker viewfinder .
Types of Circuit-Breaker Finders
Circuit - breaker finders mold by transmitting a tone through an electric outlet picked up by a receiver at the circle - breaker box . The accuracy of a receiver ’s sign detection depend on its sensitivity . While automatic circuit - breaker spotter extend the public convenience of auto adjusting for sensitiveness , manual units allow the drug user to hunky-dory - tune the sensitiveness .
An automatic tour breaker has a built - in microprocessor that mechanically localise the unit ’s sensitivity by running the receiver over theelectrical panelonce or double . A electric circuit - breaker view finder that automatically calibrate itself will jell the sensitivity to the optimum level , which facilitate forbid false positive degree from adjacent electrical circuit that also put off whole step . An reflexive circuit - breakers finder eliminates the demand to manually set the sensitivity , which can be difficult for those new to using a tour - circuit breaker finder .
Manual circuit breakers include a dial that allows the exploiter to fine - tune the circuit - breaker finder ’s sensitivity to improve its truth . This setting is helpful for those survive in obtusely populated area where a lower sensibility is need to avoid interference from signals from other reservoir . Manual controls are more utile for professional electricians habituate to using a circuit - surf finder .
UL Certificate
Since lap - breaker finders exploit with alive electric currents , they can potentially be hazardous . These products require the user to insert the sender into a live electric outlet . A poorly made product can damage the electric circuit or get an galvanic shock .
shopper will only want to practice circuit - breaker finders with a UL enfranchisement to assure the product is safe . Consumer products with a UL certificate have been license by Underwriters Laboratories , which has been certifying the safety of new technology for consumer use since the belated 1800s . Look for the UL trademark on the mathematical product .
GFCI Testing Capability
circumference - breaker finder can do more than discover which electrical circuit goes with each light fixture or outlet . They also can tell if aGFCIoutlet is working correctly by report the wiring condition of the electrical circuit .
GFCI electric receptacle have built - in breakers that disrupt the circuit to prevent an electrical blow should the outlet have a ground fault . A GFCI wall socket has two low buttons pronounce “ test ” and “ reset ” between the two three - prong inputs ; these buttons test the cognitive operation of the built - in breaker and reset it if the breaker trips . GFCI wall socket work faster than the circuit breaker in the breaker box to cut off the flow of electricity , so they dish up as an essential safety feature .
Since a ground error can occur if water splashes the circuit , most outlets in bathroom and kitchen or on the home ’s outside have a GFCI exit . A individual GFCI way out typically see multiple outlets in a way . racing circuit - breaker finder that discover GFCI wiring outcome use two or three colored LED lights to point whether the circuit wiring is faulty .
Frequency
A lap - breaker finder use a receiver that pass with a transmitter . The receiver plugs into an electrical outlet and sends a sign through the wire to the surf boxwood . By identifying that frequency , the circuit - breaker viewfinder locates the right breakers for the outlet , switch , or receptacle . For this to work , the receiver must differentiate the transmitter ’s frequency from other frequencies traveling up and down a dwelling ’s electric lines . This is where the sensitivity of a circuit - breakers spotter comes into play .
A receiver work at a high sensitiveness more well picks up the signal commit by the vector . However , it may also pick up signals from other circuits or even electromagnetic waves emitted by other electronics , which can stimulate faux positive . Lowering the sensitivity allows the telephone receiver to more easy secernate the signal put out by the transmitter from other sign . Automatic circuit - breaker finders set this sensitivity to the optimum level , while manual model require the user to adapt the sensitiveness via a dial .
Voltage
lap - circuit breaker finders have a emf maximum . Most circuit - breaker finders for domicile work on standard 120 - V circuits , covering a bulk of a household ’s circle except for those that handle large appliances , such as clothes drier using 220 - V circuits .
Circuit - ledgeman finders designed for industrial options have voltage maximums that reach 270 volts or more to work with high - voltage circuit . A circuit circuit breaker with a maximum of 120 volts is sufficient for most homes , while professional electrician may take a circuit breaker with a higher voltage mental ability .
Maximum Interrupting Capacity
When figuring out the circuit breaker in a home , it ’s crucial to know the maximal interrupting mental ability of the circuits . This is the maximum demerit current a circuit breaker can interrupt without failing . For case , a received 15 - amp circuit surf can treat up to 1,800 watts before tripping the breaker . A 20 - adenylic acid ledgeman can deal up to 2,400 Isaac Watts before it trips .
To watch how much load is on a surf , impart up the wattage of all the galvanizing equipment plugged into one electrical circuit . The total should not outgo the max interrupting capacity of the ledgeman . For example , a 15 - amp circuit can handle a 1,500 - watt distance fastball and 150 - James Watt 50 - inch LCD goggle box ( 1,650 watts amount ) without trigger off the breaker . By cutting off power , a surf prevent a circuit from overheating and do a fire .
The Advantages of Owning a Circuit-Breaker Finder
While electrical circuit - breaker finders are a must - have tool for lineman , they ’re also commodious for DIYers . Below , learn about the advantages of own a circuit - breaker finder .
Tips for Buying and Using a Circuit-Breaker Finder
When patronise for the best circuit - ledgeman finder for a family , it ’s essential to consider a few tips to help find the right model for a home ’s electric system of rules .
FAQs
Calculate the full amount of wattage the racing circuit use and separate that number by 240 volts to find the amperage needed for the circuit breaker . Then choose a circuit breaker that exceeds that number . If the circuit is using 28 amps , apply a 30 - adenosine monophosphate circuit surf .
Tracing an electrical circuit through the rampart can be a tricky process . To do this without damage the paries , you need a magnetic stud discoverer that observe wire . Using this twist , you could trace the telegram from an way out or a light receptacle to the ledgeman box .
As with trace a sign of the zodiac electrical circuit , you demand a magnetic stud finder that can find whether there are conducting wire in the area you plan todrill .
wait for bulges or inconsistencies in the rampart make by the outlet box advertize against the dry wall . Most electric receptacle are between 18 and 24 inches off the floor , which is the most common stature for wall outlet , and no more than 6 feet from a door .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a free-lance writer specializing in home improvement , landscaping , applied science , rest home security , and design . His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi , Popular Science , Futurism , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Domino , and more . Carrick has conducted rigorous intersection testing on everything from power puppet to home surety system of rules to backyard grills . With each review , his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their pauperization and if it is or is n’t deserving its price tag .
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